The Conclusion of the Whole Matter

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

There is a popular saying that experience is the best teacher. However, depending on the angle we look at ‘experience’, we can learn from the experience of other people. Solomon David Jesse, the widely accepted author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, at some point, loved God and related intimately with him while giving sacrificial offerings. There came a time when he was engrossed in the lust of the flesh. He reigned as the King of Israel for 40 years and lived for more than 50 years (See 1 Kings 11:41-43) and has tasted youthful exuberance and challenges that come with old age. In the 12th Chapter of Ecclesiastes, inspired by the wisdom of God, he admonishes every man to serve God throughout life’s journey. The Amplified Bible, Classic translation, captures his advice this way: “Remember [earnestly] also your Creator..in the days of your youth…Before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars darkened [sight is impaired]; …In the day when the keepers of the house [the hands and the arms] tremble, and the strong men [the feet and the knees] bow themselves, and the grinders [the molar teeth] cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows [the eyes] are darkened.” He realized that man can barely do much for God in old age and that a life without God is absolute vanity.

Solomon concluded his admonition by stating that every man’s duty from life’s first cry and to the final breath is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). To fear God is to get to know, respect, and revere Him and this is where godly wisdom lies. Fearing God is demonstrated in the way we relate with Him and the people around us. It is shown in how we fellowship with Him in prayer and study of His Word while advancing the interest of His Kingdom. It is demonstrated in the way we speak, the places we go to, our lifestyle, how we dress, and how we treat people. When we fear God, He reveals Himself, His ways, and wisdom to us (See Psalms 25:14-15).

God expects us to follow His instructions because these wise instructions align with His plan and purpose for us. They are rules intended to guide the actions and behaviors of His children. When we respect and revere God, we won’t struggle to keep His commandments. The Psalmist testifies, “Thou through Thy commandments has made me wiser than mine enemies.” We can only be in a position to overcome our adversaries and command the issues of life to work in our favor when we obey God’s commandments. Obeying God’s commandments translates to peace and joy and obedience is the litmus test of our love for God.

God knows all our thoughts and deeds and we need to be conscious of this while in the closet or the open. As our Creator and Supreme Judge, God through Jesus Christ, will judge us in the end based on His commandments as Solomon rightly affirms, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.” The first man and woman God created were at loggerheads with Him when they failed to follow His instructions. The introduction and conclusion of the matter of life is to cultivate and maintain a peaceful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Fearing God and following His instructions as a duty of every man begins with accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Say this prayer of Salvation: Dear Lord Jesus, from today I accept and confess you as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe that you died and rose again to save me. Wash my sins away and shape my character. I declare that I am born again and I pledge to respect and revere You always. Amen.

By Sunday Omori